Pit Stops Near the Grand Prix

Breathtaking beaches. World-class museums. Beautiful hikes. Michelin-starred restaurants. There’s so much to see, do, and taste within an hour or two from the racetrack – close enough to zip away for the afternoon or an overnighter. Our 5 stops below will put you on the right track for memorable moments. Ready to take a spin?

Marseille

Swagger by the Sea

A fantastic food scene, intriguing art spaces, and a buzzing nightlife make Marseille the Med’s most happening city. Marvel at Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse and the architectural stunner, Mucem. Indulge in a Michelin-starred meal at Le Petit Nice and Restaurant AM. Visit France’s oldest hardware store and nab North African treasures in multicultural Noailles. Enjoy a Marseillais-style apéro at Viaghiji di Fonfon along the scenic Vallon des Auffes port. Dance on a rooftop by the sea at Terrasses du Port or atop an old factory at Friche Belle de Mai.

40min drive from Le Castellet track

Marseille Tourist Office

Toulon

Port of Call

With its rich maritime history and revved-up downtown, up-and-coming Toulon is now on the tourist track. Window shop along the colorful Rue des Arts. Salute military history at the Musée National de la Marine and the Memorial du Débarquement, reached via a cable car up Mont Faron. Visit the seaside Mourillon neighborhood then amble along the coastal Sentier des Douaniers path. Cool off with a craft beer at Bière de la Rade and snack on cade, the local chickpea pancake.

20min drive from Le Castellet track

Toulon Tourist Office

Saint-Tropez

Hit the Beach

Saint Tropez’s cobblestone streets, lively port, and beautiful beaches lure lovers of luxe and laid-back lifestyle. Shop alongside locals for Provençal goods at the popular Marché des Lices. Make like Brigitte Bardot at Club 55 or Plage des Graniers beach clubs. Taste St. Trop’s cream-filled treat, the Tarte Tropezienne. Hit the high seas with a boat rental or on a ferry boat. Sip cocktails on the iconic Senequier’s terrace or in the local sailor’s haunt, Bar de Sube.

1h30 drive from Le Castellet track

Saint-Tropez Tourist Office

Mediterranean coastline

Cavort on the Coast

From Hyères to Marseille, dip into art, culture, wine, and recreation along the dazzling Mediterranean. Island hop between Paul Ricard’s Île des Embiez and Île de Bendor. Ferry to Île du Porquerolles’ stunning art space, Villa Carmignac. Check out Hyères art trail and its modernist Villa Noailles. Go wine tasting at Bandol’s Domaine Tempier and Cassis’ Domaine du Paternel. Play pétanque in its birthplace: La Ciotat. Drive the Route des Crêtes for breathtaking views of the Calanques, which you can explore by paddle, on foot, or at sea.

From 30min to 1h30 from Le Castellet track

Aix-en-Provence

Express Your Epicurean Side

Rich in cultural offerings and refined elegance, Aix en Provence is an alluring capital of joie de vivre. View artistic masterpieces at the Hôtel de Caumont. Stroll and shop the pretty Vieille Ville, stopping into the sublime Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur. Grab a drink at Cours Mirabeau’s grand café, Le Grillon, then catch a show at the Pavillion Noir. Trace Cézanne’s footsteps at his atelier or on a hike of Montagne Sainte-Victoire. Savour calissons at Le Roy René or chocolate on a Puyricard factory tour. Be awed by Château la Coste’s art & architecture promenade.

55min drive from Le Castellet track

Aix-en-Provence Tourist Office